1
2
as in to disturb
to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy
there's no need to agitate the patient about little things
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to shake
to make a series of small irregular or violent movements
set the washing machine so it will agitate for four minutes before going into the rinse cycle
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to discuss
to talk about (an issue) usually from various points of view and for the purpose of arriving at a decision or opinion
a question which has been agitated by the legislature time and time again
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of agitate
What Elliott did not know in 2024, Kapur says, is that his team had already begun working on the breakup the investor was agitating for.
—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
12 June 2026
Washing machines take care of that with their tumbling or agitating action.
—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
12 June 2026
That was usually Andy agitating.
—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 June 2026
By the mid-20th century, an era of decolonization had taken hold, as colonies in Africa and around the world agitated for independence.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
12 June 2026
Washing machines take care of that with their tumbling or agitating action.
—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
12 June 2026
That was usually Andy agitating.
—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 June 2026
By the mid-20th century, an era of decolonization had taken hold, as colonies in Africa and around the world agitated for independence.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitate
Verb
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On and on, these songs stir the soul.
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In fact, NBCUniversal is wading into the buzz round Polymarket, Kalshi and other prediction market services that have stirred controversy.
Verb
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The golf practice center would disturb an already fragile ecosystem with a high water table, the board wrote.
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Gorsuch said the opinion was narrow and did not disturb other provisions of the law, which includes a ban on guns for drug addicts, ban on guns for people presently intoxicated and prohibition of firearms for those deemed a danger to themselves or others.
Verb
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The early goal from Germany was a bit demoralizing for the South American team, but Nilson Angulo was able to shake it off with a beautiful shot in the ninth minute to equalize.
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Any worries about complacency were wiped away in the third minute when Auston Trusty fired home the opening goal and caused the stands at SoFi Stadium to shake (literally) with the noise and jumping fans.
Verb
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In discussing the matter, Hahn also called for the county to look into establishing an emergency stockpile of air purifiers and other critical supplies to better prepare for future disasters.
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Without discussing too much in detail, councilmembers raised several potential alternatives during the meeting, including parking garage subsidies, downtown employee waivers and a comprehensive citywide review of parking programs.
Verb
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While some of the wives wouldn’t bother coming to games every Sunday, Michel said, many of the children saw the Feeney fathers as proper heroes.
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His pace routinely bothered Sweden, including on one impressive solo run in the first half that produced a quality attacking scenario.
Verb
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Tap the flower base with a finger, pencil, or vibrating toothbrush for 3 consecutive days to dislodge pollen.
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Nevertheless, Bonnie’s doting parents hope that Lilypad will help Bonnie make friends, oblivious to how the gizmo — and soon, their daughter — vibrates with anxiety.
Verb
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Sure, it can certainly be debated if Marathon being revived after all this time as an extraction shooter was the right call.
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As Florida lawmakers continue to debate healthcare affordability and patient protections, this is an issue that deserves urgent attention.
Verb
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Smart leaders audit what’s truly profitable, cut distracting growth channels and rebuild around operational clarity, not just revenue velocity.
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If a robot starts patrolling your local garage, mall, park or transit hub, do not get distracted by the cool tech factor.
Cite this Entry
“Agitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitate. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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